Kim Holden, Landscape Specialist

• Cut back spent perennials 2-4” from the crown.
• Clean out weeds and annuals.
• Many annuals, perennials and ornamental grasses with seed heads provide a good food source for birds.  Leave those over the winter and cut back in the spring.
• Rake up leaves around roses, peonies, fruit trees and other plants susceptible to powdery mildew and other pests and diseases that over winter on debris – Bag and discard, do NOT compost or use as mulch.
• Mulch your beds with shredded leaves after the ground freezes to protect your perennials from frost heaving.
• Plant spring bulbs such as tulips, daffodils and hyacinth.
• Dig up tender bulbs such as dahlia, canna, gladiolus and elephant ear and store for the winter in a cool dry place around 50 degrees.  An unheated basement, crawlspace or garage usually works well.
• Clean up your vegetable garden by removing weeds and debris.
• Divide spring blooming perennials.
• Water your trees, shrubs and perennials thoroughly before the ground freezes to avoid future damage.
• Clean your tools and apply a light layer of oil to prevent rusting over the winter.